History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

In August, 1967, James "Dee" and Norma Gardiner purchased Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. from Howard Perrodin. They built a reputation as a professional, compassionate and trustworthy firm. As of January 1, 2008, their son, Jarrod, along with his wife Kecia, became the second generation owners of Gossen Funeral Home, Inc. We follow the same principles and philosophy of tradition and care that the community has come to expect.

Our funeral home is a family owned and operated business. We are large enough to give our families the same service as the largest funeral homes around, yet we are still small enough to give each family the level of attention and care they deserve.


Our Valued Staff

Jarrod  Gardiner

Jarrod Gardiner

Jarrod is a native of Rayne, Louisiana. He is married to the former Kecia Cart and they have two children Malise Elizabeth and Jarrod Jude. Jarrod is a second generation Funeral Director/Embalmer as well as a second generation past President of the Louisiana Funeral Directors Association. He is a 1987 graduate of Notre Dame High School in Crowley, Louisiana and a 1988 graduate of Commonwealth College of Funeral Science in Houston, Texas. Upon graduating from Commonwealth in 1988, Jarrod worked at Martin and Castille Funeral Home, in Lafayette, Louisiana. In 2001, Jarrod began working with his family and eventually purchased Gossen Funeral Home in January, 2008.Being active in his profession is something Jarrod feels is both rewarding and necessary because of the constant evolution in the funeral industry. He continues to stay abreast of the changes in the industry through his involvement in many organizations and continuing education programs. He is a past president of the Louisiana Funeral Directors Association, Limousines Limited, and the Southwest Louisiana Funeral Directors Association. Jarrod is also a member of the National Funeral Directors Association.Jarrod also enjoys being involved in his community. He is active in several clubs in Rayne as well as Acadia Parish. He is on the Board for the Acadia Parish Choices Program, the past President of the Rayne Chapter of Rotary Club, a member of the Rayne Chamber of Commerce and also the 2009 Business Person of the Year recipient, Rayne Lions Club, the Knights of Columbus and past president of the Church Point/Rayne Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.